LGBTQ+ and the JJS

Question 1

___ of the population identified as non-heterosexual

Answer 1

-7.1%

Question 2

Within the juvenile justice system, we see that LGBTQ+ youth are ___

Answer 2

-Overrepresented

Question 3

A recent MSU study found that the LGBTQ+ community makes up ___ of youth incarcerations

Answer 3

-28%

Question 4

Overall, LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in ___

Answer 4

-The juvenile and criminal justice systems

Question 5

Risk Factors – Family
Rejection

Answer 5

-Family rejection has been found to be
associated with:
-Depression
-Substance use
-Suicide attempts
-Homelessness
-Unprotected sexual intercourse
-Family rejection is one factor that may
drive youth into the JJS or increase their
interaction with law enforcement due to
homelessness and/or substance use

Question 6

Risk Factors - Youth Homelessness

Answer 6

-Homelessness affects LGBTQ individuals at a higher proportion than their heterosexual counterparts
-Reasons for homelessness among LGBT youth:
-Ran away from home due to family
rejection of sexual orientation or
gender identity (46%)
-Forced out by parents because of
sexual orientation or gender identity
(43%)
-Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
at home (32%)
-Aged out of the foster care system
(17%)
-Financial or emotional neglect from
family (14%)
-Being homeless can lead to:
-Victimization, survival crimes, contact
with the JJS
-Homeless youth are more likely to come into contact with law enforcement

Question 7

Risk Factors – Mental Illness

Answer 7

-LGBTQ individuals experience
mental illnesses at higher rates
than their cisgender and
heterosexual peers
-Individuals with a mental illness
are at a greater risk of arrest
than the general population

Question 8

Risk Factors – Suicidality

Answer 8

-Suicidality is prevalent among the LGBTQ community
-Law enforcement is often involved when a person is in crisis, particularly if they are suicidal
-An increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality is one risk factor that individuals may face

Question 9

Risk Factors – Substance Use

Answer 9

-Some research suggests that there is a greater prevalence of alcohol use and polydrug use among the LGBTQ community
-These disparities have been predominantly explained by minority
stress theory, which posits that LGBTQ-related stressors shape negative mental health outcomes and associated coping behaviors, including substance us

Question 10

Challenges – JJS

Answer 10

-LGBTQ+ youth face additional
challenges when involved in the JJS
-Higher prevalence of sexual contact with staff and rates of peer sexual assault among LGB youth